CENTER NAME : SHANZU TEACHERS TECHNICAL TRAINING COLLEGE

CENTER NO: 121101

TITLE: A RESEARCH PROJECT TO EXAMINE THE EMERGING DRUG USE

DISPARITIES AMONG YOUTHS ON MENTAL HEALTH STATUS IN CHONYI SUB
COUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY, KENYA.

PRESENTED BY: MUNGA PERIS DZAME

INDEX NUMBER:1211010005

COURSE NAME: DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL WORK AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

EXAMINER: KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATION COUNCIL

SUPERVISOR: MRs. JANE MALOMBE

EXAM SERIES: MARCH 2025

PURPOSE: TO BE PRESENTED TO THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATION COUNCIL

AS A PRACTICALLY FULLFILLMENT OF DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL WORK AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

i
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this research is my original work and has not been submitted or presented in
any other colleges.

Name :…………………………………………………………………………

Admission number:……………………………………………………………

Signature……………… Date:………………………

The research has my approval as the college research supervisor.

Name…………………………………………………

Signature…………………………………………… Date:………………………

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 DEDICATION

I dedicate this research to my family members for their love support patience and
encouragement. They gave me the will and determination to complete my course. I also
dedicate this research project to all youths who are fighting against drug use substances abuse in
chonyi sub county and county as a whole and those all over the world

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I give thanks to the Almighty and for enabling me to complete this project.

I also sincerely thank my supervisor Madam Jane Malombe for her guidance, advice and
patience as she guided me through my project. I also acknowledgement the support of the
assistant sub county director of Chonyi sub county for allowing to go around the sub county with
the support of chiefs mental health officers and parents.

Thank you all and may the Almighty God bless you abundantly.

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Contents
DECLARATION............................................................................................................................. ii

DEDICATION ............................................................................................................................... iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................................. iv

ABSTRACT................................................................................................................................. viii

CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................. 1

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................... 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY ..................................................................................... 1

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM ..................................................................................... 2

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY ................................................................................................ 3

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY .......................................................................................... 3

1.4.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................. 3

1.4.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES............................................................................................... 3

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS ................................................................................................... 4

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ...................................................................................... 4

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY ........................................................................................... 4

1.8 DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY...................................................................................... 5

CHAPTER 2 ................................................................................................................................... 6

LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................................ 6

2.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 6

2.1 THEORATICAL LITERATURE REVIEW .......................................................................... 6

2.1.1 SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY BY ALBERT BANDURA ........................................ 6

2.1.2 ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS THEORY BY RIE BRONFENBRENNER ....................... 6

2.2 REALTIONSHIP OF THE LITERATURE TO THE STUDY ............................................. 7

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2.3 GAPS IN LITERATURE ...................................................................................................... 8

2.3.1 EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON MENTAL HEALTH STATUS TO THE YOUTHS ........... 8

2.3.2 FACTORS TO DRUG USE BY THE YOUTHS ........................................................... 9

2.3.3 POLICIES GOVERNING THE USE OF DRUGS TO THE YOUTHS. ....................... 9

CHAPTER 3.............................................................................................................................. 10

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................. 10

3.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 10

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN ........................................................................................................ 10

3.2 TARGET POPULATION .................................................................................................... 10

3.3 SAMPLE SIZE.................................................................................................................... 10

TARGETED GRID 1.2 SAMPLING SIZE ............................................................................11

3.4 RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS ............................................................................................11

3.5 PILOT STUDY ....................................................................................................................11

3.6 ETHICAL CONSIDERATION ............................................................................................11

CHAPTER 4 DATA ANALYSIS .............................................................................................. 13

4.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 13

4.1 RESPONDENTS RATE...................................................................................................... 13

TABLE 4.1 DISTRIBUTION OF REPONDENTS .................................................................. 13

4.2 RESULTS OF PARENTS ON EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON MENTAL HEALTH TO THE

YOUTHS. .................................................................................................................................. 14

4.2.1 EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON MENTAL HEALTH TO THE YOUTHS IN CHONYI

SUB COUNTY KILIFI COUNTY KENYA ......................................................................... 14

TABLE GRID 4.2.2 ............................................................................................................... 14

4.2.1 RESULTS OF YOUTHS ON EFFECTS OF DRUG USE TO THEIR MENTAL

HEALTH IN CHONYI SUB COUNTY KILIFI COUNTY KENYA....................................... 15

TABLE GRID 4.2.2 ............................................................................................................... 15

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 4.2.3 RESULTS OF CHIEFS ON EFFECTS OF DRUG USE T THE YOUTHS ON
MENTAL HEALTH IN CHONYI SUB COUNTY KILIFI COUMTY KENYA. ................ 15

4.2.4 RESULTS OF MENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS ON THE EFFECTS OF DRUGS USE

TO THE YOUTH ON THEIR MENTAL HEALTH. ............................................................ 16

4.3 RESULTS OF THE CHIEFS ON THE FACTORS LEADING TO THE USE OF DRUGS
BY THE YOUTHS IN CHONYI SUB COUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA. ..................... 16

4.3.2 RESULTS OF YOUTHS ON FACTORS READING TO HE USE OF DRUGS BY

THEM IN CHONYI SUB COUNTY KILIFI COUNTY KENYA. ...................................... 16

4.3.3 RESULTS OF MENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS ON FACTORS LEADING TO THE

USE OF DRUGS BY YOUTHS LEADING TO THE USE OF DRUGS BY YOUTHS IN
CHONYI SUB COUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA. ....................................................... 17

4.3.4 RESULTS OF PARENTS ON FACTORS LEADING TO THE USE OF DRUG BY

YOUTHS IN CHONYI SUB- COUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA. ............................... 17

4.4 RESULTS ON THE POLICIES GOVERNING THE USE OF DRUGS IN CHONYI

SUBCOUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA. ............................................................................ 18

4.4.1 RESULTS OF CHIEFS ON POLICIES GOVERNING THE USE OF DRUGS IN

CHONYI SUBCOUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA. ........................................................ 18

4.4.2 RESULTS OF YOUTHS ON POLICIES GOVERNING THE USE OF DRUGS IN

CHONYI SUB COUNTY KENYA. ...................................................................................... 18

4.4.3 RESULTS OF MENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS ON POLICIES GOVERNING THE

USE OF DRUGS IN CHONYI SUB COUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA. ..................... 18

4.4.4 RESULTS OF PARENTS ON POLICIES GOVERNING THE USE OF DRUG IN

CHONYI SUB COUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA ........................................................ 19

4.5 FINDINGS AND DISCUSSUION ..................................................................................... 19

4.8 RECOMMENDATION ....................................................................................................... 20

REFERNCES ................................................................................................................................ 21

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 ABSTRACT

Drug and Substances Abuse has been talked about worldwide and Kenya is part of that globe.
Mental officers, chiefs and parents have been at the forefront trying to find out the causes, effects
of drug. Use to the youths on their mental health and ways of controlling it. Therefore, there is a
head to curb this vice.

The study aimed at examining the drug use disparities among youths on mental health status with
reference to Chonyi sub county, Kilifi county, Kenya.

The study was guided by the following objectives: to identify effects of drugs on mental health
status to the youths in Chonyi sub county, Kilifi county. Kenya. To examine factors leading to
the use of drugs by youths in Chonyi sub county, Kilifi county, Kenya and to evaluate policies
governing the use county, Kilifi county Kenya.

The target population was 1000 people. The sample consisted of 250 youths, 180 parents, 90
mental health officers and 180 chiefs.

Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. The collected data was analyzed using
statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Software programme and presented using both
qualitative and descriptive methods such as frequencies and percentage and presented as tables
and figures.

The researcher recommended that all stake holders be involves in curriculum review and reform
to address drug abuse related issues and effects of drugs abuse on the mental Health status of the
youths, give guidance and counselling sessions to enhanced change in youth behaviors.

viii
 CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The chapter discusses the background of it’s study, problem statement, purpose of the study,
objectives of it’s study, research questions, significance of the study, limitation of it’s study,
assumption and operation definition of the terms of its study.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Drugs has become a big problem in the world today and in lives of many millions of people both
in adolescent and general population. Emerging drug use among youth is a growing concern,
particularly regarding how it intersects with mental health. Recent trends indicate increasing
disparities in drug use based on various demographic factors, including socioeconomic status,
race and geographic location. Understanding these disparities is crucial for developing targeted
interrentions to address both substance use and mental health issues among young people.
Emerging drug use Disparities Among, youths on mental Health status in united Nations.
(Global).

Emerging drug use disparities among youths can significantly impact mental health, as
highlighted in various united. Nations reports. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to
health care and cuttural attitudes towards drig use contribute to these disparities.

Youth from marginalized communities often face higher rates of substance abuse, which can
exacerbate mantal health issues like anxiety, depression and trauma.

The UN emphasizes the importance of addressing these disparities through targeted prevention
and intervention programs, enhancing mental services and fostering environments that support
youth well being.

Continued research and policy efforts are essential to understand these dynamics and develop
effective strategies to mitigate the negative effects of drugs use on mental health status among
youth populations. Emerging drug use disparities among youths on mental status in South
Africa.

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In south Africa, emerging drug use disparities amoung youths have raised significant concerns
regarding mental health.

Various factors contribute to these disparities including socioeconomic challenges, high rates of
unemployment and exposure to violence.

In this country, disparities are pronounced in marginalized communities where limited resources
and lack of support services compound the problem. This affects not only the mental health but
also overall development and educational outcomes.

The south African government and various NGOs are working to address these issues through
prevention programs, community out reach and improved mental health services, emphasizing
the need for a holistic approach that includes education and support for families.

Addressing these disparities is crucial for promoting healthier futures for south African youth.

In Kenya, emerging drug use disparities among youths significantly impact health, driven by
various socioeconomic and cultural factors.

Increasing use of drugs like alcohol, bhang and sythentic substances is observed, particularly
among urban youths in Kenya.

Accessibility and peer pressure play critical roles in these trends. Many youths use substances as
a coping mechanism for stressors like poverty. Family issues and exposure to violence. The
marginalized communities face higher rates of substance use, exacerbated by limited access to
mental health services and education.

Stigmatization further prevents youths from seeking help. The Kenya government and NGOs are
implementing programs aimed at prevention and early intervention, focusing on education,
awareness and improving mental health care access to the youth. Addressing these disparities is
vital for enhancing the overall well-being of youth in Kenya and promoting healthier lifestyles.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The emerging drug use disparities among youth present significant on mental health status. This
disparity can exacerbate exiting mental health issues leading to increased rates of anxiety
depression and other psychological disorder.

2
Understanding the specific factors contributing to these disparities including socioeconomic
status, cultural influences and the availability of mental health issues.

The study aims to explore the relationship between emerging drug use trends and mental health
outcomes among youth populations.

In chonyi sub-county the scenario is wanting because many youths have mental health disorders,
correlate with higher rates of anxiety, depression and behavioral issues due to drug use
substances.

Most youths in Chonyi sub county have impaired congnitive functioning, which has impact on
memory attention and decision making abilities cading to difficulities on everyday functioning.

Addressing these effects requires early intervention, education and intergrated support systems to
promote mental health status and reduce substances use among youths in Chonyi- sub county.

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the study was to examine th emerging drug use, disparities among youth on
mental health status in Chonyi sub county, Kilifi county Kenya.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1.4.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVES

i. To examine the emerging use disparities among youth on mental health status in chonyi
sub county, Kilifi county, Kenya.

1.4.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

i. To identify the effects of drugs on mental health status to youth in Chonyi sub county,
Kilifi county, Kenya.
ii. To examine factors leading to use of drugs by youths in Chonyi sub county, Kilifi county,
Kenya.
iii. To evaluate policies governing the use of drugs in Chonyi sub county Kilifi county,
Kenya.

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1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

i. What are the effects of drugs on mental health to the youths in Chonyi sub county Kilifi
county, Kenya?
ii. What are the factors leading to the use of drugs by the youths in Chonyi sub county, Kilifi
county Kenya?
iii. What policies used in governing the use of drugs in Chonyi, sub county, Kilifi county,
Kenya.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study pave the way for further research into the causes and consequences of these
disparities, leading to improved understanding and intervention strategies. It highlights the link
between drug use and mental health can foster greater awareness and reduce stigma, encouraging
young people to seek help.

Understanding these disparities helps identify at risk population, allowing for targeted
interventions to reduce drug use and its negative effects on metal health to the youths of

Chonyi sub county, Kilifi county Kenya.

The findings of the study helps the policy makers to create effective regulations and programs
aimed at prevention and treatment, particularly in underserved communities & youths.

The study enables the government to allocate resources to high risk groups, improving acess to
health services, especially to the youths.

Insights from the study help the government in designing educational programs that raise
awareness about the risks of emerging drugs, equipping youths with knowledge and tools to
make informed decisions.

Overall this research provides critical data to shape preventive, supportive and regulatory
measures, ultimately improving youth mental outcomes and reducing the societal burden of drug
misuse.

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

There was inadequate resources to cater for all expenses during the research period.

4
The research had limited sample size or lack of representation from diverse demographic groups,
affecting the generalizability of findings.

Bad weather and poor infrastructure, hinders to reach the specific location on time.

Biased information and reluctant clients to give out specific information concerning the drug use
in Chonyi sub county, Kilifi county Kenya.

1.8 DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The use of technology assists to map out the location of the study and accomplish the study on
time.

The data allocation was limited by geographical location thus enabling the study to be carried out
on time.

Similar language that was used during the study helps in better understanding and gathering of
the information easily hence enabling the study to be carried effectively & efficiency.

5
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter review on the theoretical literature reviews relationship of the literature of the study
and gaps in to the literature.

2.1 THEORATICAL LITERATURE REVIEW

The study was guided by two theories: social learning Theory by Albert Bandura Ecological
systems theory by urie Bronfenbrenner.

2.1.1 SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY BY ALBERT BANDURA

Albert Bandura emphasized the role of observation, limitation and modelling in behavior
acquisition.

The theory helps to understand the emerging drug disparities in drug use among youth especially
in relation to mental health status.

Bandura suggests that youths may adopt drug use behaviors observed and learned in their peers,
especially if peers have mental issues creating a cycle of use and mental health decline.

In the context of drugs use on mental health, researchers have built upon Bandura’s framework to
explore how social influences, peer behaviors and environmental factors contribute to disparities
in drug use among youths, particularly those facing mental health challenges.

Bandura emphasizes that disparities in drug use can arise from different social environments,
where exposure to substance use is more prevalent particularly for the youths.

The theory highlights how the interplay of observation reinforcement, cognitive appraisal and
social norms contributes to drug use disparities among youths, particularly in the context of
mental health.

2.1.2 ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS THEORY BY RIE BRONFENBRENNER

Developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, the theory considers the multiple layers of influence to
youths development, including family, community and societal factors.

6
Disparities in drug use can be understood through the interactions between systems, such as how
neighborhood characteristics and family dynamics impact access to substances and mental health
to youth.

Urie suggests that microsystems environment such as family, peers and schools have an impact
on the use of drugs to the yoyjs on mental health health status.

Mental health issues can also affect relationships in influencing both drug use and social support
to the youth.

He also emphasizes on mecosystem which involves interactions between microsystems which

involves interactions interactions between different microsystems.

For instance a youths experience at school can impact their home life and poor academic
performance linked to mental health struggles can led to social isolation, increasing vulnerability
to drug use to the youths.

In summary, this theory highlights how multiple highlights how multiple, interconnected factors
contribute to disparities in drug use among youth, particularly in relation to mental health status.

2.2 REALTIONSHIP OF THE LITERATURE TO THE STUDY

According to social learning theory, develop by Albert Bandura, it emphasizes that individuals
learn behaviors through observation, imitation and modelling.

It explains that youths are likely to emulated the behaviors of peers who use drugs. This can led
to a normalization of drug use to the youths.

In ecological systems theory, proposed by urie Bronfenbrenner, examines how various

environmental systems interact and influence individuals behaviors.

Broader influences, such as community resources, policies and socioeconomic status, can access
to drugs and supports for mental health on youths.

The two theories emphasize on social life in communities and thus many youths involves
themselves on drugs hence affecting their mental status.

7
2.3 GAPS IN LITERATURE

There is limited research that combines social learning theory and Ecological systems theory to
explore how individual behaviors are affected by broader ecological contexts and socio
economic factors. This provide deeper insights into youth drug use patterns. There is a lack of
longitudinal research examining how social leaning and ecological factors influence drug use
over time and their impact on mental health. Long term research could have identify critical
periods for interventions.

The interplay between mental health issues and social learning in the context of ecological
systems is not well documented.

More research is needed to understand how mental status may affect susceptibility to drug use
and how peer influnces vary based on mental health conditions.

When Bandura is emphasizing on limitation, observation, but has not touched on how drugs
affect youths on mental health and other underlying on effects pf drugs. Negatively of limitation
and other causes of environmental interaction; The researcher wanted to fill the gap on the drug
abuse on youth towards mental health.

2.3.1 EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON MENTAL HEALTH STATUS TO THE YOUTHS

Increase risk of mental disorder use of drugs can led conditions such as anxiety, depression and
schizophrenia. Youth are particularly vulnerably due ongoing brain development.

It can led to impair memory attention and decision making leading to poor academic
performance and social interactions.

Drug use can lead to mood swings and emotional dysregulation making it harder for youth to
manage their feelings and relationships.

Youth engage in drug use may face stigma leading to shame and further mental health decline.

Drug use often correlates with engage in risky behaviors including unsafe sex and other forms of
substance abuse which further harm mental health status of the youths .

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2.3.2 FACTORS TO DRUG USE BY THE YOUTHS

Peer pressure influence from friends and social circles can lead youth to experiment with drugs
to fit in or gain acceptance.

Mental health issues: anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions may drive youths to
drug use as a coping mechanism.

Media influence portayals of drug use in music, movies and social media can glamorize
substance use and normalize risky behaviors.

Low socioeconomic status. Economic challenges and limited to access to education and
recreational activities can increase vulnerability to drug use by the youths.

Lack of education. Insufficient knowledge about risks and consequences of drug use can lead
drug use among youths.

2.3.3 POLICIES GOVERNING THE USE OF DRUGS TO THE YOUTHS.

Substance use prevention programs. Government implement educational programs that inform
youths about risks of drug use aiming to prevent initial experimentation.

Legal regulations. Laws regarding the sale distribution and possession of drugs such as age
restrictions for alcohol and to bacco aim to limit access among youths.

Law enforcements and regulations, policies require strict enforcement of laws against the illegal
distribution and use of drugs, penalties for drug trafficking near colleges and schools.

Prescriptions Drugs regulations. Youths are prohibited from using prescription drugs that are not
prescribed to them. The policies also regulate the sale and distribution of controlled substances
to minors.

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 CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter focuses on research design, location of the study, target population, sample size and
sampling procedures, pilot study , research instrument and ethical consideration.

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

The study descriptive survey design combining both qualitative and quantitative research
strategies. Where in quantitative method, questionnaires and interviews were used to assess drug
use behaviors, mental health symptoms and the socio environmental factors contributing to
disparities while for qualitative method case studies and focus groups were used to facilitate
discussions around drug use and mental health status concerning youths.

3.2 TARGET POPULATION

The target population was 1000, consisting of 400 youths from Mwarakaya ward, 200 parents
from Mwembe Kati sub location, 300 chiefs from the Chonyi sub county offices and 100 mental
health officers, where so of them were from Thasimba Central Hospital and the rest from Ziani
Dispensary in Chonyi sub county.

RESPONDENTS POPULATION
Youths 400
Parents 200
Thiefs 300
Mental Health Officers 100
Totals 1000

3.3 SAMPLE SIZE

The sample size was 800 which consisted of 250 youths by using purposive sample. The
researcher use sample random method and came up with 180 parents. By using cluster sampling
the researcher had 280 chiefs

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According to stratified random sampling 90 mental health officers were selected.

TARGETED GRID 1.2 SAMPLING SIZE

RESPONDENTS SAMPLE SIZE

Youths 250
Parents 180
Chiefs 280
Mental health officers 90
Total 800

3.4 RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

The researcher used observation and checklist for the youths. She used questionnaires for the
chiefs and mantal health officers which enable her to collect data from them. She develop
interview with the parents regarding on how their youths attract and behave on the issues
concerning drug use disparities among youths.

The researcher seek information on effects of drug use disparities on youths on mental health
status in Chonyi sub county.

3.5 PILOT STUDY

Before the data was delivered, the questionnaires were presented to ensure their validity and
relability.

To ensure clarity, appropriateness and effectiveness of interviews, focus groups discussion and
observation based on the feedback and finding from the pilot to make necessary adjuments to
improve the overall study design.

The pilots study ensures that the research on the emerging drug use disparities among youths on
mental health status is valid reliable and practically feasible.

3.6 ETHICAL CONSIDERATION

The researcher obtained an introduction from the office of the Chonyi- Sub county
administration and a research permit from the ministry of health.

11
After which she booked an appointed with the youths, parents and mental health officers through
the area chief to visit the specific respondents. The respondents were given instructions and
assured confidentiality after which there was enough time to fill in the questionnaires.

The reseacher then collected the filled in questionnaires within stipulated time as agree upon
with the respondents.

The interviews schedule were prearranged and appointments booked with the mental health
officers who was interviewed as the researcher fills in the details in the interview schedules.

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 CHAPTER 4 DATA ANALYSIS

4.0 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, it deals with results and analysis of qualitative data, the complication of
quantitative, findings of the study respondents profiling discussions, conclusion and
recommendation of the study.

4.1 RESPONDENTS RATE

The researcher sampling represented 800 population, where youths were 250, parents 180, chiefs
280 and mental health officers 90.

The researcher used observation method and checklist for the yoths where out of 250 youths,
only 150 response rate were observed.

The research study use interviews for the parents out of 180. Interview given to the parents 150
were interviewed.

The researcher administered questionnaire to chiefs and mental health officers. Where outs of
280 questions given to chiefs, 180 questions were returned. While on mental health officers out
to 90 questions administered to them 60 questions were returned.

TABLE 4.1 DISTRIBUTION OF REPONDENTS

INSTRUMENTS SAMPLE SIZE REPONSE RATE PERCENTAGE

Youths 250 150 60%
Parents 180 150 83%
Chiefs 280 180 64%
Mental health officers 90 60 67%

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 chiefs mental health officers youths parents

4.2 RESULTS OF PARENTS ON EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON MENTAL HEALTH TO THE

YOUTHS.

4.2.1 EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON MENTAL HEALTH TO THE YOUTHS IN CHONYI SUB

COUNTY KILIFI COUNTY KENYA

It has led to the increase of mental disorders

It has led to mood swings and emotional dysregulations

It has led to impair memory attention

TABLE GRID 4.2.2

INSTRUMENTS CATEGORY PERCENTAGE %DISAGREE

AGREE
PARENTS Increase 98% 2%
Mental disorder
Led to mood swings 96% 4%
Led to impair impair 99% 1%
memory attention

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4.2.1 RESULTS OF YOUTHS ON EFFECTS OF DRUG USE TO THEIR MENTAL HEALTH
IN CHONYI SUB COUNTY KILIFI COUNTY KENYA.

The response of youths on the effects of drugs use to the their mental health status were as
follows: youth agree that it has led to increase mental disorder, it has led mood swings and
emotional dyregulation and has led to impair memory attention.

TABLE GRID 4.2.2

INSTRUMENTS CATEGORY %AGREE %DISAGREE

YOUTHS Increased mental 99% 1%
disorder
Lead to mood swings 96% 4%
Lead to impair 99% 1%
memory attention

4.2.3 RESULTS OF CHIEFS ON EFFECTS OF DRUG USE T THE YOUTHS ON MENTAL

HEALTH IN CHONYI SUB COUNTY KILIFI COUMTY KENYA.

The results of chiefs on effects of drug use to the youths mental health was:

Increase mental disorder

Led to mood swings

Led to impair memory attention.

TABLE GRID 4.2.3

INSTRUMENTS CATEGORY %AGREE %DISAGREE
CHIEFS Increase mental 96% 4%
disorder
Lead to mood swings 94% 6%
Led to impair memory 98% 2%
attention

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4.2.4 RESULTS OF MENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS ON THE EFFECTS OF DRUGS USE TO
THE YOUTH ON THEIR MENTAL HEALTH.

The response of mental health officers was: increased mental disorder, lead to moods and
emotional dysregulation and led to impair memory loss.

TABLE GRID 4.2.4

INSTRUMENTS CATEGORY %AGREE %AGREE
Mental health officers Increase mental 99% 1%
disorder
Led to mood swings 96% 4%
Led to impair 99% 1%
memory attention

4.3 RESULTS OF THE CHIEFS ON THE FACTORS LEADING TO THE USE OF DRUGS
BY THE YOUTHS IN CHONYI SUB COUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA.

The chief’s response was, due to peer pressure influence social medias and internet influence and
effects of drugs abuse.

Table grid 4.3.1

INSTRUMENTS CATEGORY % Agree %Disagree

Chiefs Peer pressure 96% 4%
Media influence 99% 1%
Inadequate 95% 5%
knowledge

4.3.2 RESULTS OF YOUTHS ON FACTORS READING TO HE USE OF DRUGS BY THEM

IN CHONYI SUB COUNTY KILIFI COUNTY KENYA.

The results of the youths was peer pressure influence, social media and internet influence and
inadequate knowledge on the use and effects of drug abuse to them.

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TABLE GRID 4.3.2
INSTRUMETS CATEGORY %AGREE %DISAGREE
Youth Peer pressure 96% 4%
Media influence 99% 1%
Inadequate 97% 3%
knowledge

4.3.3 RESULTS OF MENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS ON FACTORS LEADING TO THE USE

OF DRUGS BY YOUTHS LEADING TO THE USE OF DRUGS BY YOUTHS IN CHONYI
SUB COUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA.

The response from the officers was follows: peer pressure influence, social media and internet
influence, social media and internet and inadequate knowledge on the use and effects of drugs
abuse.

TABLE GRID 4.3.3

INSTRUMENTS CATEGORY %AGREE %DISAGREE
Mental Health Peer pressure 99% 1%
Officers Media influence 96% 4%
Inadequate 98% 2%
knowledge

4.3.4 RESULTS OF PARENTS ON FACTORS LEADING TO THE USE OF DRUG BY

YOUTHS IN CHONYI SUB- COUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA.

The parents agreed that the main factors leading to the use of drugs by youths was; peer pressure
influence, social media and internet influence and inadequate knowledge on the use and effects
of drug abuse.

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TABLE GRID 4.3.4
INSTRUMENTS CATEGORY %agree %disagree
Parents Peer pressure 99% 1%
Media influence 99% 1%
Inadequate 96% 4%
knowledge

4.4 RESULTS ON THE POLICIES GOVERNING THE USE OF DRUGS IN CHONYI

SUBCOUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA.

4.4.1 RESULTS OF CHIEFS ON POLICIES GOVERNING THE USE OF DRUGS IN

CHONYI SUBCOUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA.

The chiefs a free on the legal regulations on consumption and distribution of drugs to the youths
such as age restrictions and law enforcement and regulation policies against illegal distribustion
and use of drugs in Chonyi sub county.

4.4.2 RESULTS OF YOUTHS ON POLICIES GOVERNING THE USE OF DRUGS IN

CHONYI SUB COUNTY KENYA.

The response from the youths was as follows: legal regulations on consumption and distribution
of drugs to the youths such as age. Restrictions and laws enforcement and regulations policies
against illegal distribution and use of drugs in Chonyi sub county.

4.4.3 RESULTS OF MENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS ON POLICIES GOVERNING THE USE

OF DRUGS IN CHONYI SUB COUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA.

The officers agree on the legal regulations on consumption and distribution of drug to the youths
such as age. Restrictions and law enforcements and regulations and law enforcement and
regulations policies against illegal distribution and use of drugs n Chonyi sub county

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4.4.4 RESULTS OF PARENTS ON POLICIES GOVERNING THE USE OF DRUG IN
CHONYI SUB COUNTY, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA

The results from the parents was as follows: legal regulations on consumption and distribution of
drugs to the youths such as age restrictions and law enforcements and regulation policies against
illegal distribution and use of drugs in Chonyi sub county.

TABLE GRID 4.4.4

INSTRUMENTS PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE

AGREE AGREE
Chiefs 99% 1%
Youths 96% 4%
Mental health officers 98% 2%
Parents 95% 5%

4.5 FINDINGS AND DISCUSSUION

The study revealed that youths engaging on drug use as depression, anxiety and trauma related
disorders.

It further revealed that, drug use among youths in Chonyi sub county, exacerbate existing mental
youths in Chonyi sub county, exacerbate existing mental Health problems, leading to vicious
cycle, for example marijuana or alcohol use may worsen depression symptoms while stimulant
like cocaine can elevate anxiety and increase impulsivity.

The study discovered that most youths in Chonyi sub county using drugs have mental problems
such as depression, developmental lags, a pathy and others psychological dysfunctions which is
common among youths.

It also stated that, if several measures and intervention are put in place, the youths will be able to
identify the effects of drugs on their mental health status.

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4.8 RECOMMENDATION

Providing guidance and counselling to the youths to provide to provide information on the
effects of drugs use among youths on their mental health and provide therapy for those having
mental health problems due to drug use.

The government should expand mental health education programs in schools, colleges and
universities and train teachers and counsellors to recognize warming signs of mental health
struggles and substances use to the youths.

Develop and implement culturally specific programs that address both mental health and drugs
use among at risk youth, focusing on racial, enthinic and LGBTQ and minority groups among
youths.

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 REFERNCES

Substances Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Youth and Mental Health Disparities.

Schroender, S.A & Irvin, V.L (2020)

Social Determinants and substance use.

Bishop, S.L. & Fowless, T.M. (2020).

The intersection of Gender, substance use and Mental Health.

Bolland, J.M. & Meallum, D.M. (2022)

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